Outdoor Insight

and working diligently to protect our public lands. The current administration is frightening to say the least and it's my hope their obtuse approach will continue to galvanize our industry." On the shifting balance between passion and business in the outdoor market… "It might be because I'm getting older, but I think the industry has become less about the passion driving the sports and more about the financial componentry. It's a big, competitive and saturated market, which in some instances drives some inevitable chasing of the not almighty dollar. Don Fyfe, the original owner of Alpenglow Sports, said it best: 'We used to go to OR to get fired up on the product. Now we go to talk business.' The growth and maturation of the industry has of course provided opportunities but I think balance is key." On community and retail… "I feel a tremendous loyalty to give back to people who have supported the shop for nearly 40 years. The mountain shop, in my opinion, should be the hub of their community. Providing great advice on equipment and where to have fun is a given, but shops should also serve to be versed in the best local espresso, slice of pizza, etc., and arguably be in tune with the political, social and environmental issues that have direct impacts in the community. I believe in the utopic concept of outdoor/ski shops as the go-to resource for everything in each community." On the innovation in the ski/snow business… "We've seen tremendous growth and traction in the ski touring hardgoods category. Bindings like the Salomon Shift and game-changing ski designs from DPS and Elan are allowing resort-backcountry hybrid skiers to really push their limits in both realms — using one setup. It's no secret that ski touring is the only viable growth segment in snow sports (hello ski resorts? Why don't you have an uphill policy?!?!) and we appreciate the R&D that has been pumped into the category for the ultimate performance benefit. I also like how people are becoming more tuned into spending their dollars with brands that stand for something and give back, and don't just make money." On standout brands that are supporting specialty retail… "Salomon, DPS Skis and Outdoor Research — all three [of these] companies see the value of supporting our events financially, but also the integrated tie-in of the retail component. Most importantly this benefits the end user with a fantastic experience, whether it's a first-time backcountry skier or an aspiring Skyrunner. "By catering to the community, the holistic benefit is that people turn around and support you back. We've had double-digit record months through the support of the above companies, all while keeping events free for the consumer and stoking the community. I firmly believe that companies have a responsibility to support heritage brick-and-mortar shops that are progressive in nature and encourage other owners to vote with their dollar. We've created custom skis, fun co-brand apparel and desirable sales incentives for the consumer through the help of those three progressive brands." On the value of trade shows… "Trade shows are extremely valuable. The reality is we need them all in order to lock up sponsorships, see new product and enact marketing initiatives. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA) is tremendously important for us and the brands showing there understand the importance of such a specialty-centric buying group. OR is important for marketing meetings, sponsorships and celebrating the industry twice a year. I think all the shows have their place, but am also cognizant that isn't the right answer for everyone in the industry. I'm not sure if there is a right answer here and I'm grateful I'm not in the position of figuring it all out." On finding new brands to carry in the store… "We try to align with small brands that extend themselves in a GOA membership capacity. We used to find them in the outside tents at the OR Show and still do to some degree in the new format in Denver, but also do a fair amount of sleuthing online. Many times we try to look outside of the industry to surf and skate for more progressive trends." On what he's hoping for in 2019… "To be a better husband, friend, employer, owner. I always want to raise the bar personally and professionally in every single thing I do. I'd also like to get our podcast Afterglow into the ears of more people and grow our Mountain Festival into an internationally recognized event. The final hope would be to grow our Donor Party into a $250,000-500,000 anonymous philanthropic pool that holistically benefits Lake Tahoe non-profits making a tangible difference in our community." l Grassroots Perspectives Grassroots Perspectives is an editorial series in Outdoor Insight where we share Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retail members' stories, challenges and inspirations. In this issue, we check in with two retailers who excel in snow sports… and beyond. January 2019 • Outdoor Insight • 41 outdoorinsightmag.com

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